MSC Divina 03/06-03/13 review from a loyal Carnival Cruiser

[hapytobehr]

This was our 2nd cruise with MSC.

 

Our first was on the Seaside back in 2018 and we did the yacht club.  This time we decided not to spend a lot of money because we are doing an Alaskan cruise in May. 

 

I will preface this review by saying the ship is really beautiful although old.  They really did a nice job refurbishing.  It does show some signs of wear and tear, but that is to be expected.

 

I will start with embarkation - We arrived at the port at 2:30, our check in time.  We were checked in, tested and on board by 3:30.  It really was very easy.

Our room was ready and we were able to go and drop off our carry on.  We were in Bella Balcony 13127.  The room was very nice; your typical balcony cabin with plenty of storage.

 

We were supposed to go to 4 ports, one of which was Grand Cayman but I knew that would not happen.  We did make it to Cozumel and Ocho Rios.  However, we were not able to dock at their private Island due to high winds.  That was really disappointing since that was the one stop i was looking forward to.  We had rented a cabana and planned on spending the entire day on the beach.  Well, ***t happens.  I heard that there were a bunch of people down at guest services demanding to see the captain which I found to be quite amusing.  They were chanting and carrying on about not docking.  I will leave it at that and not say what is on my mind.

 

The crew-was outstanding.  Our room steward Laurio was really nice and made up our room twice daily.  We were never asked if we wanted morning or evening service, it was just done.  Everything we asked for was done without question and swiftly.

 

Now I will discuss the food-  I do understand that food is subjective, but I thought (as well as my husband) that the food was absolutely awful.  There was no variety at all on the buffet as it seemed that every day it was the same thing whether it was breakfast or lunch.  We did not eat at the buffet for dinner.  The food had no taste as everything was bland.  The cheeseburgers (and I consider myself a connoisseur of burgers 😁) were "hockey pucks" and the hot dogs were nothing special.  (the fries were decent). The pizza on the buffet was not particularly good.  (they had pizza with tuna; who eats tuna on pizza?  ugh)

 

The MDR was pretty much the same, as nothing had any taste and very little variety.  Our wait staff, Ravi and Deepak were fantastic.

 

We did go to the Butcher's cut, Sushi and the Pizza place where you pay an upcharge (i forgot the name).  That pizza was outstanding!  We actually ate there 3 times for lunch.  Butcher's cut was outstanding as was the Sushi.  I will say that if you plan on going to these venues, purchase the duo package as it is well worth the money and you save a lot.  Yes, you are limited, but there are plenty of choices within the prepaid menu and the service was impeccable. (ask for Oscar, he is awesome).

 

The shows- were wonderful. This is the first time in years that my husband and I went to every show. The singers and dancers were awesome.  There was some comedy before each show as this was just to pass the time as people flowed into the theatre.  Pedro was the Cruise director and he was amusing.

 

There were also many bar/lounges which had music in all of them.  The music was very good.  IMHO, they should eliminate some of them and put in more specialty restaurants.

 

The Casino-Because we went on this cruise from a casino offer, this was very important to us.  The casino is very small and has very few table games.  They had one ultimate poker table with NO bonus bets i.e. pocket pairs, one 3 card table without the 6 card bonus but 2 bonus bets that are progressive.  One bet is minimum of $1 and the other is $5.  This was the most awful 3 card table I have ever played. In addition to the ridiculous 2 bonus bets (that you needed to have a minimum of a straight to hit) the odds were bad.  They were less than any other 3 card table i have played in land or sea casinos.  They had 5 blackjack tables which paid 6-5 odds (not sure if they had one that paid 3-2 if you bet minimum of $25), 2 roulette tables and one baccarat table that was NEVER open (not that I care).  Also, the casino was NEVER busy and you saw the same people every day.   Although the tables were limited, we still had fun because we met many nice people and the casino staff was the best!  They had plenty of slot machines and many varieties.

 

Debarkation was a breeze.  We were scheduled to go to one of the lounges at 8:10 AM and we were off the ship by 8:30.

 

Overall, we had a wonderful time, but I don't think we will be sailing on MSC anytime soon.

 

I will be happy to answer any questions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[JT1962]

Thanks for the review. I was on the Meraviglia in January and loved it and am considering the Divina for a longer cruise the fall. As you said, food is subjective, but I thought the food in the dining room and buffet was good and never had an issue finding something of interest each meal.
 

The buffet at breakfast did have the same thing each day, but I can’t imagine what else they could offer that most people would consider breakfast food. On my cruise they had 5-6 variations of eggs, cooked to order omelets, pancakes, waffles, French toast, oatmeal, grits, multiple types of cold cereals, bacon, sausage, ham, cold cuts, fish, English muffins, several types of bagels & toast, biscuits, gravy, rice, beans, fresh fruit, several types of yogurt, a separate “healthy” section, etc. It was very similar to the breakfast buffet I have experienced on Carnival & Royal Caribbean (no cruise line apparently knows how to make biscuits or gravy).
 

One reason I am considering MSC again is the no, or very low, single supplement. Since I will be traveling solo, most cruise lines charge the full rate for 2 even if I am the only one in the room. MSC charges 0-10% additional for solo cruisers on many ships currently. That may change once Covid is over, but for now, it’s a great opportunity for solo travelers.

[dsnutz]

Thanks for the review! Was this cruise out of Canaveral or Miami, I know  at some point Divina was to switch? We are sailing 4/10 from PC and this will be our first with MSC, have been on several w/ Carnival in the past. This is actually our first since everything shutdown two years ago and was supposed to be for our now 10 y/o son’s spring break.
 

You mentioned testing so I assume they are still requiring a test at the pier in addition to the Negative result from one taken prior (is it 48 hrs. before)?

 

I don’t gamble a lot but am glad to see they have blackjack at least from a cards perspective. I assume no live hold-um either? I wish more casinos had that option.  How about craps, didn’t see it mentioned in your list, it’s my other favorite game?

 

Hate to hear you weren’t able to go to the private island. Ours is a short four night itinerary with a stop in Nassau but two days (overnight) at OC. Missing that would be a total disappointment for us.  
 

Thanks again for your review and in advance for any insight you can provide. 
 

Dee

[dexddd]

1 hour ago, dsnutz said:

Thanks for the review! Was this cruise out of Canaveral or Miami, I know  at some point Divina was to switch? We are sailing 4/10 from PC and this will be our first with MSC, have been on several w/ Carnival in the past. This is actually our first since everything shutdown two years ago and was supposed to be for our now 10 y/o son’s spring break.
 

You mentioned testing so I assume they are still requiring a test at the pier in addition to the Negative result from one taken prior (is it 48 hrs. before)?

 

I don’t gamble a lot but am glad to see they have blackjack at least from a cards perspective. I assume no live hold-um either? I wish more casinos had that option.  How about craps, didn’t see it mentioned in your list, it’s my other favorite game?

 

Hate to hear you weren’t able to go to the private island. Ours is a short four night itinerary with a stop in Nassau but two days (overnight) at OC. Missing that would be a total disappointment for us.  
 

Thanks again for your review and in advance for any insight you can provide. 
 

Dee

Right now Miami.

[hapytobehr]

On 3/17/2022 at 4:59 AM, dsnutz said:

Thanks for the review! Was this cruise out of Canaveral or Miami, I know  at some point Divina was to switch? We are sailing 4/10 from PC and this will be our first with MSC, have been on several w/ Carnival in the past. This is actually our first since everything shutdown two years ago and was supposed to be for our now 10 y/o son’s spring break. Miami, makeshift terminal (F)
 

You mentioned testing so I assume they are still requiring a test at the pier in addition to the Negative result from one taken prior (is it 48 hrs. before)? You are tested at the pier in addition to the 2 day prior test.  It was quick & efficient.

 

I don’t gamble a lot but am glad to see they have blackjack at least from a cards perspective. I assume no live hold-um either? I wish more casinos had that option.  How about craps, didn’t see it mentioned in your list, it’s my other favorite game? They do not have craps.  No live hold em.

 

Hate to hear you weren’t able to go to the private island. Ours is a short four night itinerary with a stop in Nassau but two days (overnight) at OC. Missing that would be a total disappointment for us.  The winds were too high.  They made several attempts to dock but it was deemed too dangerous.  Very disappointing but I don't stress over things I cannot control.
 

Thanks again for your review and in advance for any insight you can provide. Have a great cruise.  I'm curious as to your opinion when you return.
 

Dee

 

[thespartyof3]

Thanks for the review! 

Considering Divina for a 10 day at the end of year. 

Can you elaborate on the refurbishing? I know the ship is 10-ish years old? I’ve heard such mixed things on the wear and tear of the ship. 

[deliver42]

I'm surprised at the pizza in the buffet. We were on the Divina twice, the last time 3 years ago, and the buffet pizza was excellent.

[Elkins45]

On 3/15/2022 at 5:30 PM, JT1962 said:

Thanks for the review. I was on the Meraviglia in January and loved it and am considering the Divina for a longer cruise the fall. As you said, food is subjective, but I thought the food in the dining room and buffet was good and never had an issue finding something of interest each meal.
 

The buffet at breakfast did have the same thing each day, but I can’t imagine what else they could offer that most people would consider breakfast food. On my cruise they had 5-6 variations of eggs, cooked to order omelets, pancakes, waffles, French toast, oatmeal, grits, multiple types of cold cereals, bacon, sausage, ham, cold cuts, fish, English muffins, several types of bagels & toast, biscuits, gravy, rice, beans, fresh fruit, several types of yogurt, a separate “healthy” section, etc. It was very similar to the breakfast buffet I have experienced on Carnival & Royal Caribbean (no cruise line apparently knows how to make biscuits or gravy).
 

One reason I am considering MSC again is the no, or very low, single supplement. Since I will be traveling solo, most cruise lines charge the full rate for 2 even if I am the only one in the room. MSC charges 0-10% additional for solo cruisers on many ships currently. That may change once Covid is over, but for now, it’s a great opportunity for solo travelers.

That’s pretty much my situation. When my wife and I cruise together it’s always a free casino cruise because she’s a slot player. If I want to cruise by myself MSC is the only line that doesn’t charge the two person rate. I took four day cruises on both the Divina and Meraviglia last fall and had a great time. I certainly wouldn’t consider the experience so inferior that I would consider paying 2X the MSC rate for a different line. But they also didn’t run out of basic supplies on either of my cruises, so that might definitely color someone’s experience.

[Disfan5]

We just signed up for a cruise in a couple weeks.  Do they covid test everyone before boarding?  Most cruises require a negative test, but I sounds like we have to do another...is it free or is there a charge for it?

[DCGuy64]

Thanks for the review, as you said, food is subjective. Glad you liked the shows, we agree they do an excellent job. Ditto on the staff, we've always been bowled over with their crew. Glad you enjoyed it, overall. We did YC the last two times and the food was absolutely spectacular.

 

[mimi7ccr]

We were also on the Meraviglia from March 6 - 13, and we definitely went to the private island Ocean Cay.  The weather was beautiful and the island very enjoyable.  We spent overnight there.  This was actually one of our favorite cruises.  The staff was wonderful.  Food was good, not great, but we certainly did not go hungry.  We also went to Cozumel and Costa Maya and weather was great at both of them.  We had a cold front to sail through on the way back to Port Canavaral and the temp had dropped about 30 degrees from what it was when we embarked.  Brrrrr!!  The entertainment was really good and we particularly enjoyed the 5-piece rock band that performed in the Carousel Lounge 3 nights.  They were top notch; went by the name of "Off the Record On the Rocks."  Also the pianist "Dyma" who is from Ukraine, was wonderful.  Just thought I'd add our 2 cents worth to the thread.

 

[basyedad]

We booked 10 day on Divina for Dec 2. Great itinerary, hopefully the food will return by then. We really enjoyed Divina before, more than Seaside (and Seaside is newer). Love the theme nights, parties. 

[hapytobehr]

On 3/18/2022 at 4:47 PM, thespartyof3 said:

Thanks for the review! 

Considering Divina for a 10 day at the end of year. 

Can you elaborate on the refurbishing? I know the ship is 10-ish years old? I’ve heard such mixed things on the wear and tear of the ship. 

The ship is beautiful.  As with any ship, new or old, there will always be signs of wear & tear.